Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Rustic Tomato Basil Soup
Try this Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Rustic Tomato Basil Soup recipe.
Try this Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Rustic Tomato Basil Soup recipe.
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 4 cloves garlic diced
- 2 cups gruyere cheese shredded
- 2 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (1 tsp black pepper if you like a lit
- 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional but i love a bit of spice)
- 28 oz. peeled san marzano tomatoes in juice (1 large crush well with your hands (it’s fun!)
- 1 large handful basil leaves roughly chopped
- 6 tbsp salted butter softened
- 8 slices sourdough bread
- Carbohydrate 26.591856575525 g
- Cholesterol 204.320625051318 mg
- Fat 68.6780190810699 g
- Fiber 1.62285939829051 g
- Protein 43.8731562601604 g
- Saturated Fat 40.1161043847782 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (707g)
- Sodium 1397.83981314551 mg
- Sugar 24.9689971772345 g
- Trans Fat 4.07390890746016 g
- Calories 897 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large pot on med-low heat, add oil and butter.
- Once it melts, add the onion and sauté for about 20 min (mixing it around to keep from burning) or until browned.
- Add garlic and sauté for another minute or two.
- Add in tomato paste and sauté together for another minute.
- Mix in chicken broth, salt, pepper, and if you like a little more heat, add the cayenne.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and put the lid on the pot to bring to a gentle boil.
- After the soup has reached a gentle boil, turn to low heat.
- A couple minutes before serving the soup, stir in the basil and cream.
- Place griddle/nonstick pan on med-low heat.
- Generously butter one side of each of the sourdough bread slices.
- Once the griddle/pan is hot, place one slice of bread for each sandwich on it (butter side DOWN).
- Add a hefty handful of cheese to each slice and top with the other slice (butter side UP).
- After 2 minutes, or when the bottom slice crisps and turns golden-brown, gently flip the sandwich to brown the opposite side for another 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, slice, and serve with tomato basil soup.
A Comfort Food Classic Reimagined: Grilled Cheese and Tomato Basil Soup
There's something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of tomato soup paired with a perfectly crisp grilled cheese sandwich. It's a classic combination that evokes feelings of childhood, cozy evenings, and simple pleasures. But what if I told you this classic could be elevated, transformed from a simple lunch into a truly memorable culinary experience? This isn't just about melting cheese between bread; it's about creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.
My approach to this timeless dish begins with the soup. Forget those watery, bland canned soups! This Rustic Tomato Basil Soup is a revelation. Starting with a fragrant base of sautéed onions and garlic, the foundation of flavor is built slowly, allowing the sweetness of the onions to meld with the pungent aroma of garlic. Then comes the heart of the soup: San Marzano tomatoes. These Italian heirloom tomatoes are known for their intense sweetness and low acidity, creating a rich and flavorful base that's miles ahead of any canned alternative. I prefer to crush the tomatoes by hand; there's a satisfying tactile experience to it, and it helps release their juices even further. Simmering gently with chicken broth, a touch of tomato paste for depth, and a whisper of cayenne for a subtle kick (optional, of course!), the soup develops a complexity that belies its simplicity. The final flourish? Fresh basil and a swirl of heavy cream, bringing a vibrant freshness and velvety richness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.
Now, let's talk about the grilled cheese. This isn't your average sad, rubbery cheese sandwich. We're talking about a culinary masterpiece! I use a mix of sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, layering them generously between thick slices of sourdough bread. Sourdough, with its tangy flavor and slightly chewy texture, provides the perfect counterpoint to the creamy cheeses. The bread is generously buttered, ensuring a perfectly golden-brown, crispy crust that’s both satisfying to bite into and visually stunning. The medium-low heat ensures the cheese melts perfectly, creating a gooey, stringy interior that's simply irresistible. The result? A sandwich that’s incredibly satisfying, its rich flavors complementing the bright, fresh tomato soup beautifully.
Beyond the Recipe: A Moment of Comfort
This isn’t just a meal; it's an experience. The process of making this dish is as much a part of the enjoyment as the eating itself. The rhythmic chopping of onions, the fragrant steam rising from the simmering soup, the satisfying sizzle of buttered bread on a hot pan – these are the moments that make cooking a meditative practice. It's a chance to slow down, to connect with the food, and to create something beautiful and delicious. And the shared enjoyment of this simple yet elegant meal? That’s the true magic.
Whether you're a busy professional looking for a quick yet sophisticated lunch, a traveler reminiscing about home-cooked meals, a fitness enthusiast seeking a balanced and satisfying treat, or simply a homebody craving comfort food, this grilled cheese and tomato basil soup combination is sure to please. It's a testament to the power of simple ingredients, thoughtfully combined, to create something truly extraordinary. It's a reminder that even the most classic dishes can be elevated, transforming a simple meal into a celebration of taste, texture, and the joy of cooking and sharing.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad for a lighter meal.
- Add a crusty bread roll for dipping in the soup.
- Garnish the soup with extra basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil.
- For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or vegetables to the soup.
Enjoy this comforting and delicious meal! Remember to adjust seasonings to your preference, and don't hesitate to experiment with different cheeses or bread varieties to find your perfect combination.
